IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Spring 2019 | Page 36

And speaking of warm – your toilet can be warm too!
Homeowners can opt for a “throne” with a retractable base that
comes out and heats your feet as well as the seat of the toilet. And
new touchless flushing helps prevent the spread of germs among
your family, along with a bidet, which ensures a much cleaner
experience.
You spend so much time in your bathroom every day you owe
it to yourself to make it a more enjoyable place. And, according to
HGTV.com, bath remodels often offer a return on investment of
more than 100%!
KITCHEN MAKEOVER
homeowners are opting for larger showers that will not only get
you clean, but can also bathe you in LED lighting that changes
colors to suit your mood. You can also enjoy your favorite music
in the shower to either calm you down after a stressful day, or pep
you up for the daily routine.
Vanities and bath cabinetry have also arrived in the 21st
century. Vanities are no longer empty-shell cabinets that open to
a cavernous interior with little customization. Current options for
drawers and cabinets include specialized areas for storing your
blow dryer neatly away and stackable storage options for makeup.
And while you’re standing in front of that vanity applying your
makeup, you can watch TV in the mirror! New technology allows
your favorite TV program to be projected onto the mirror, so you
can keep up with the latest baseball scores or check the weather
before going out.
Slate and marble tile are always elegant options for bathrooms,
but one of the latest trends in baths are porcelain tiles that mimic
wood. These tiles come in sizes up to 48” and can be laid to look
like natural woodgrain, without the worry of water damage.
Laipple says the woodgrain appearance really warms up the
bathroom.
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Whether your cooking style is Chicken Cordon Bleu, or just
some great Pad Thai take-out from the corner restaurant, you
need a place to prepare your meals that’s fun, organized and feels
like home.
Even in today’s hectic lifestyle, you’ll probably spend a
significant amount of time each day in your kitchen.
Though it’s a significant investment to update your kitchen,
it’s a worthwhile endeavor from both a personal standpoint and
a financial one. And, like bathrooms, HGTV.com estimates that
a kitchen remodel can offer returns that are upwards of 100% on
the resale of your house.
According to Jamie Varner, owner of Varner Remodeling, most
kitchen remodels start around $25,000, and on average will range
up to about $50,000.
You can give your kitchen a whole new look in any style from
ultra-contemporary to French country in this price range. Your
designer and builder can assist you with computer-aided design
(CAD) to help you envision your dream.
Some new trends in the kitchen include spacious farm sinks
that offer tons of space for food prep. Clean, white subway tile
can match virtually any décor, making it a popular choice for
backsplashes. Recycled glass tiles can be found in any color for a